Best way to break into cardiac nursing

Specialties Cardiac

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I am set to graduate from an ADN program in May and have my sights set on cardiac nursing. I had clinicals on a cardiac stepdown floor last semester and loved it. I would love to work somewhere like that, or a CVICU, or possibly a heart failure clinic. I am not expecting to nab my dream job right out of school and am more than happy to pay my dues. What I'm wondering is, what's the best way to get started and get some relevant experience as a new grad? I'm a PCT on a Med-Surg floor right now... would experience on that floor (we get mostly urology pts, some neuro, and lots of status post mastectomy pts) help me at all? I was planning on applying there and on a Med-Surg/Tele floor. Is there anything else I haven't thought of that would help a new grad get experience relevant to cardiac nursing? Thanks in advance!!

Just a quick note - I've looked into internships in my area (DFW) and there isn't too much that's specific to cardiac, but most of those internships only accept applications from BSN graduates.

Specializes in Cardiac Critical Care.

Got the job :) Thanks for all of your great advice!!!

Specializes in Nursing Education, CVICU, Float Pool.

If its not too late do your individual senior practicum/preceptorship on a cardiac unit. Thats what i did! I live in SE NC and I precepted on a CVICU that is managed by Duke Medicine.

I graduate From an ADN program on May 8th 2013!!!! I just got a job offer for the CVICU I did my preceptorship on! This is where i feel i really want to work! I am stoked because they only hire 1-2 new grads every other year or so! I also got an offer for an ED position!

Put yourself out there, send thank you cards to unit managers on units you precept on, ask for shadowing days etc.... Show proof that you excelled at your cardiac related material in school etc.... You can do it!

Put yourself out there, send thank you cards to unit managers on units you precept on, ask for shadowing days etc.... Show proof that you excelled at your cardiac related material in school etc.... You can do it!

I did the same, your clinical time is really a good time to network and show your work ethic. Keep in mind though, you are there to learn...

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